6. January 30, 1994: Emmitt’s MVP moment
If Emmitt’s gritty one-shouldered performance against the Giants launched the Cowboys into the playoffs with a top seed and a first-week bye, it’s perhaps only fitting that he closed out the team’s postseason by claiming MVP accolades in the final game of the tournament.
Super Bowl XXVIII’s rematch against the Bills was not the runaway laugher that the previous world championship had been. In fact, many Dallas fans often forget the Cowboys went into intermission down 13-6.
The defense evened the affair just seconds into the third quarter on a fumble scoop and score, and with the score tied, the Cowboys handed the keys to Emmitt.
Smith carried the ball on seven of eight plays during the team’s next series. He gained all but three of the 64 yards himself, finishing the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run.
On the next possession, Smith did it again, scoring on a fourth-and-goal run. He ended the evening with 30 rushing attempts for 132 yards and two scores. And while it was safety James Washington- benched during the season- who shined in a surprise start with an interception, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a touchdown, and a game-high 11 tackles… it was Smith who was crowned Super Bowl MVP.
Emmitt remains the only player to ever win the league rushing title, regular season MVP, and Super Bowl MVP in the same season.